Belvedere di Prato offers all you could want for a perfect holiday in this fascinating region. Many of the most famous tourist destinations of Umbria and Tuscany are within easy reach, yet you may be tempted just to relax and enjoy the scenery by the pool, play a game of tennis or garden chess or, in the cooler seasons, settle down by the fire with a book from the extensive library.

After being almost totally abandoned, Belvedere has now been restored to create a beautiful, welcoming family home. Original chestnut-beamed ceilings and terracotta floors have been retained to preserve the character of the old farmhouse, whilst furnishings and fittings have been chosen with immense care to provide every comfort. The comprehensively equipped kitchen has everything you need for making the most of the wonderful local produce, and the lovely garden provides a choice of outside dining areas for enjoying the fruits of your labours. Mindful of airline baggage restrictions, many extra items are provided such as pool towels, hairdryers, hundreds of books, games, toys and picnicware.

The delightful towns and villages nearby offer art and music, restaurants and markets, festivals and produce fairs throughout the year. Golf, riding, canoeing, watersports, fishing and hiking are all available in the area - there is so much to see and do that many of our guests return year after year to make the most of it all.

Please call us if you need further information. We really appreciate the chance to talk to you so that we can tell you all about everything Belvedere has to offer.

- Pool usually open beginning May to end September, or by arrangement. Pool 12m x 6m, 90cms - 2.40m deep, diving board. Heating may be available by prior arrangement (not required in high summer) - please contact us for details

The Umbria region

Umbria is known and loved by people all over the world as the 'green heart of Italy'. Its landscapes of mountains, forested hills, lakes and rivers are unbelievably beautiful at any time of year, whether bathed in summer sun, veiled by mist in spring or autumn, or sparkling with frost in the depths of winter.

As well as revelling in the countryside, you will also be able to immerse yourselves in the rich history and culture of the many world famous towns and cities throughout the region. Visit the magnificent St. Francis's Basilica in Assisi, the music festival in Spoleto, the art (and chocolate!) in Perugia - they are all within easy reach, as are countless little hilltop towns and villages where you can enjoy the local markets and restaurants amid spectacular views.

The Tuscany border is just minutes from the house, so many of the delights of this wonderful region are easily accessible too. Enjoy the astounding art and architecture in Florence, Siena, Cortona or Arezzo, visit the vineyards of Chianti or indulge in some retail therapy at the designer outlets - the list is endless.

Lake Trasimeno has islands, boats and beaches to keep the children amused and the wild beauty of the Casentina region is great for picnics and walking. The Adriatic coast is accessible for a day by the sea.

Lovely as it is in the height of summer, the region takes on a whole new character in spring and autumn and, with fewer tourists and fresher weather, sightseeing is perhaps even more pleasurable, whilst taking full advantage of the changing seasons and the enticing range of shops, markets and local festivals.

Monte Santa Maria Tiberina

Citta di Castello in Umbria is one of the principal communities of the high Tiber valley. Its beautiful historic centre is renowned for its round tower, which you can climb to gain fantastic views over the valley. It has everything you need in its shops and twice-weekly market, as well as a fine picture gallery. It is a centre for the furniture and antique trade, with monthly antique markets and a major trade fair in early autumn. There are events and festivals throughout the year, but particularly the Fiere di San Bartolomeo in late summer, and the White Truffle Festival and the Fiere di San Florido, both in November

Sansepolcro in Tuscany is renowned as the birthplace of the artist Piero della Francesca, whose Resurrection of Christ remains the jewel in the crown of the town's art gallery. There are shops, markets, restaurants and bars, all set within its beautiful historic centre. The main festival is the Palio della Balestra, a crossbow competition against Gubbio held every September, with a whole week of medieval parades and events leading up to it.

The lovely medieval town of Anghiari is not to be missed, with its beautiful fabrics, crafts and antiques. Monte Santa Maria Tiberina itself is great for lunch or coffee, especially during the summer festival at the end of July, or the autumn gastronomic festival in October. At Monterchi you can see Piero della Francesca's masterpiece, La Madonna del Parto, which art lovers travel from all over the world to see.

For sports lovers there is 9-hole golf course, riding and a spa centre at the local Country Club, a few minutes away by car, and the stunning, newly refurbished 18-hole golf course at Antognolla is just 40 minutes away. Canoeing, rafting and fishing are all available nearby.

Throughout the summer there are musical events, including Umbria Jazz in Perugia in July, The Festival of Nations chamber music festival in Citta di Castello in September, and the famous Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto in June/July. Spello has an amazing Flower Festival in late June. and in May Gubbio holds its medieval Ceri race, followed shortly afterwards by the return match of the Palio della Balestra against Sansepolcro. In June and September the Palio del Saracino, a spectacular jousting contest, is held in Arezzo, and the world famous Siena Palio is held twice yearly, on 2nd July and 16th August.

The nearest shopping is at Monterchi, about 10 minutes away by car. Citta di Castello is about 20 minutes away and has a large supermarket and a full range of other shops, as does Sansepolcro. Designer outlet shopping is available at The Mall, between Arezzo and Florence, with many iconic Italian brands represented. Arezzo is famous for its huge antique market, held every month throughout the squares and lanes of its beautiful historic centre.

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"A wonderful place to unwind"

We had a wonderful stay. The house is so beautifully presented and suited our needs perfectly. We had three generations staying and there was plenty of space for everyone and the tennis court and swimming pool were particularly well used! There are plenty of shady areas for when it get's a little hot. The house has so much character, is very welcoming and extremely well-equipped. It is in a very peaceful location within a beautiful setting. We struggled to leave!

27 Aug 2012

5/5

"Gorgeous house with views"

This is absolutely the most beautiful house my family has ever rented in 10 years of renting vacation homes. The house is an old farm meticulously restored and decorated. The rooms are spacious and full of light and the bathrooms modern. It is a perfect house for large family gathering. We found everything to be exceptionally clean and in order. Any questions we had were immediately answered by the extremely capable local manager. We really enjoyed swimming in the large pool, playing tennis in the afternoons and grilling in the outdoor fireplace. The views are incredible and the garden is magnificent! We would love to return!

22 Oct 2011

5/5

"A truly wonderful place to spend a week in Italy"

Belvedere really is the perfect location for a family holiday. We have been holidaying in Italy for several years now but after our visit to Belvedere I think we will find it difficult to persuade our children to go anywhere else. We were accompanied by two other families but there was more than enough room for us all and the adult en suite rooms were truly luxurious. It is ideally placed, being fairly near to a minor road, but not too close to it, and also in secluded but not isolated spot.
The setting in the rolling Umbrian hills, half way up the side of a valley, provides beautiful views in all directions and whilst the adults just enjoyed soaking up the peace and tranquillity of the Italian countryside, the teenagers were happy splashing in the pool and playing tennis. The amazingly well equipped kitchen and al fresco dining terrace were an inspiration to the cooks so there was hardly any need to venture out in the evenings, although we did enjoy some late afternoon visits to Monterchi, Anghiari and Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, which gave stunning views for many miles.
Although we were a large group, there always seemed to be plenty of space for us to relax in, both inside, in the many different rooms, and outside, in the carefully designed and tended garden, which had an almost cottage like feel to it. We spent many happy hours surrounded by fragrant flowers and herbs, sitting, reading, chatting or just having a quiet doze!
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